Locations
Fry Street, St Helens, WA9
Description
We can confirm a man has been jailed for 18 years for rape and child sex offences in St Helens between 2008 and 2016.
Thomas Suffler, 50, of Fry Street, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (Monday 15 September) after being found guilty of three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and two counts of causing/inciting sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15.
It follows reports that a girl had been subjected to these offences on multiple occasions between 2008 and 2016.
As well as a prison sentence, Suffler has also been placed on the Sex Offender’s Register for life.
Detective Constable Matthew Rimmer said:
“I hope the sentencing of Suffler shows that time is no barrier in reporting offences to Merseyside Police and we will take every report extremely seriously, regardless of when it occurred.
“I would like to commend the victim for coming forward and reporting the heinous crimes committed by Suffler. This result was only possible thanks to her determination and bravery.
“She was also forced to go through a trial after he denied the offences, but thankfully a jury saw through his lies and he was rightly convicted.”
Constable Clare Odgear added:
“Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm.
“As you can imagine for victims of such an appalling crime, the impact on them is significant and long-lasting.
“If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police.
“We take all such reports extremely seriously and if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.”